Question

as you like it
by william shakespeare
act iii, scene 2

select the correct answer.

read line 25 from the scene.
(25) orlando: fair youth, i would i could make thee believe i love.

what is the effect of this line as a response to rosalinds description in lines 14-24?

• it creates a feeling of suspense as the audience is unsure of orlandos feelings.
• it contributes to the tension by revealing how rosalind feels doubtful of orlando.
• it makes the audience less surprised by orlandos love for rosalind.
• it confirms for the audience orlandos genuine feelings for rosalind.

Explanation:

Analyze the context and dramatic irony

Rosalind is disguised as the boy Ganymede. Orlando does not know Ganymede is actually his love, Rosalind. In lines 14–24, Rosalind (as Ganymede) describes the physical marks of a man in love and tells Orlando he does not possess them. Orlando's response in line 25, "Fair youth, I would I could make thee believe I love," directly addresses this skepticism.

Evaluate the effect on the audience

Because the audience already knows Orlando has been hanging love poems all over the forest and is deeply in love with Rosalind, his earnest declaration to "Ganymede" confirms his genuine feelings. This interaction highlights the dramatic irony and solidifies the audience's understanding of Orlando's sincere devotion, making the last option the correct choice.

Answer:

• It creates a feeling of suspense as the audience is unsure of Orlando's feelings.
• It contributes to the tension by revealing how Rosalind feels doubtful of Orlando.
• It makes the audience less surprised by Orlando's love for Rosalind.
• It confirms for the audience Orlando's genuine feelings for Rosalind. (Correct answer)